New state laws deter poaching, trespassing by hunters

New Michigan laws are in effect to deter poaching of antlered bucks and hunters who trespass on private land.

The state now has a progressive penalty system for poaching deer, with higher fines if antlered deer have more points. Illegally killing a 10-point buck brings $7,000 in restitution plus fines and court costs.

Poachers also will lose their hunting privileges for a longer period of time. Poachers who kill an antlered buck could lose their license for six years total and 11 years for subsequent offenses.

Under another new law, landowners can recover $750 or actual property damages from people who trespass to hunt or engage in other recreational activity. That's triple the old civil damages.

The state said Monday the laws especially crack down on hunters targeting trophy deer.

Click here to sign up for Breaking News texts, here for our email newsletters and alerts and here to follow us on Twitter.